Some experts have warned about Russia’s nefarious impact on the recent elections in Moldova, highlighting the urgent need for EU support to bolster democratic institutions and counter disinformation, as Moscow’s efforts to influence the country are expected to continue.
Moldova held presidential elections on Sunday, with incumbent President Maia Sandu narrowly winning the first round, setting up a run-off on 3 November against former prosecutor general Aleksandr Stoianolgo. Moldovans also voted in an EU referendum on Sunday, with a narrow 50.32% in favour of joining the EU – meaning the country’s constitutional court can now enshrine the goal of joining the EU in the constitution.
“The results of the presidential election, along with the referendum, reveal Moldova as a deeply polarised country, struggling to defend itself against Russia’s subversive activities,” Juraj Krúpa, a defence and security expert from the Slovak opposition party SaS, told Euractiv.
Krúpa also noted that despite the narrowly successful referendum and Sandu’s accession, Moldova still had “a very long and difficult road ahead in consolidating its democracy and pursuing integration with the EU and NATO”.
Moldova’s election was also marred by allegations of a Russian cash-for-votes scheme that affected a fifth of the vote.
“Russia has long seen Moldova as part of its sphere of influence and operational space,” Krúpa added – a view echoed by Tomáš Valašek, a former Slovak ambassador to NATO and now a member of the leading opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS/RE).
“Since Moldova gained independence, Russia has meddled in its affairs, occupying Transnistria and threatening a fate similar to Ukraine’s if Moldovan leaders defy Russia. In this context, even reports of voter bribery are unsurprising, but this should not lead to inaction,” Valášek told Euractiv Slovakia.
Chisinau needs the EU’s help
From the European Union’s point of view, it is crucial that Moldovans have been able to withstand the pressure so far, Valášek stressed while warning that Sunday’s votes “have not resolved the situation, nor have they curbed Russia’s efforts to influence Moldova”.
Both Slovak experts stressed the importance of the EU’s role in strengthening Moldova’s institutions and supporting independent media as a means of countering Russian disinformation.
“The EU must also increase its presence in development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and social programmes in the country while clearly identifying and confronting the threats posed by Russia,” Krúpa added.
Valášek also noted that it is ultimately up to the Moldovans to determine their destiny but added that they need to be reassured that the EU is on their side despite the challenges of the accession process.
“If support from institutions and the nation as a whole falls short, and if Moldovans feel abandoned, they will be much more susceptible to Russian propaganda. This is something that the EU must prevent from happening,” Valášek added.
(Natália Silenská | Euractiv.sk)
Source: euractiv.com
